Cat litter product

ABSTRACT

Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/492,566 filed Apr. 20, 2017, now pending, which is a continuation ofSer. No. 15/260,660 filed Sep. 9, 2016, now abandoned, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/162,296 filed May 23, 2016,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,439,393, which is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/524,021, filed Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,227,which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/497,178, entitled “Cat Litter Product,” filed Jun.15, 2011. Reference is made to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/053,114filed Feb. 25, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,408,368 and PCT/US12/42631filed Jun. 15, 2012, which claim benefit of priority to U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/524,021. Reference is also made to co-pending applicationU.S. Ser. No. 14/012,153, filed Aug. 28, 2013, which in turn claimsbenefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/497,178, filed Jun. 15, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/694,000, filed Aug. 28, 2012. The content of each of theaforementioned patent applications is incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cat litter products.

Related Art

Swelling clay made of sodium bentonite has been used to promote clumpingin cat litter products but has the disadvantage of being relativelyexpensive.

SUMMARY

According to a first broad aspect, the present invention providescomposition comprising: a blend comprising sodium bentonite and calciumbentonite, wherein sodium bentonite comprises at least 47% of the totalexternal surface area of the blend, wherein the calcium bentonitecomprises 5% to 53% of the total external surface area of the blend,wherein 90% of the particles of the sodium bentonite have a particlesize of 345 to 1695 μm, and wherein 90% of the particles of the calciumbentonite have a particle size of 626 to 2000 μm.

According to a second broad aspect, the present invention provides acomposition comprising: a blend of sodium bentonite and calciumbentonite, wherein the calcium bentonite is coated with a coatingcomprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

According to a third broad aspect, the present invention provides acomposition comprising a uniform blend of sodium bentonite and calciumbentonite.

According to fourth broad aspect, the present invention provides acomposition comprising: a mixture comprising sodium bentonite and one ormore granular filler materials, wherein the one or more granular fillermaterials comprise one or more cellulose-containing materials, whereinsodium bentonite comprises at least 47% of the total external surfacearea of the mixture, wherein the one or more granular filler materialscomprise 5% to 53% of the total external surface area of the mixture,and wherein the mixture is removably clumpable.

According to fifth broad aspect, the present invention provides acomposition comprising: a mixture comprising sodium bentonite and one ormore granular filler materials, wherein the one or more granular fillermaterials comprise one or more non-calcium bentonite clays, whereinsodium bentonite comprises at least 47% of the total external surfacearea of the mixture, wherein the one or more granular filler materialscomprise 5% to 53% of the total external surface area of the mixture,and wherein the mixture is removably clumpable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the features ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method of making a litter productaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of making a fragrance-freelitter product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for making a litterproduct according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a dropping device for testing clumpstrength of a litter using a Standard Drop Method Test.

FIG. 5 is schematic side view of the dropping device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an image showing examples of clumps showing different levelsof clump strength.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of an extreme dropping device fortesting clump strength of a litter using an Extreme Drop Method Test.

FIG. 8 is schematic side view of the extreme dropping device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a graph of U.S. mesh versus ASTM multiplier for the sodiumbentonite and calcium bentonite particles used in the littercompositions of Examples 3-35.

FIG. 10 is a plot of the percentage external surface area as sodiumbentonite per pound of product plotted against the clump strengthresults for 30 second and 1 hour clumps for the litter compositions ofExamples 3-35.

FIG. 11 is a plot of the percentage total particle count as sodiumbentonite per pound of product versus the clump strength results for 30second and 1 hour clumps for the litter compositions of Examples 3-35.

FIG. 12 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #1 of Example 3 and Blend #4 of Example 6.

FIG. 13 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #1 of Example 3 and Blend #4 of Example 6.

FIG. 14 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #2 of Example 4, Blend #3 of Example 5, Blend #15 ofExample 17, Blend #16 of Example 18, Blend #17 of Example 19, Blend #18of Example 20, Blend #19 of Example 21, Blend #20 of Example 22, Blend#21 of Example 23 and Blend #22 of Example 24.

FIG. 15 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #2 of Example 4, Blend #17 of Example 19, Blend #18 ofExample 20 and Blend #19 of Example 21.

FIG. 16 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #3 of Example 5 and Blend #32 of Example 34.

FIG. 17 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #5 of Example 7 and Blend #6 of Example 8.

FIG. 18 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #5 of Example 7, Blend #6 of Example 8, Blend #7 ofExample 9, Blend #8 of Example 10, Blend #9 of Example 11, Blend #10 ofExample 12, Blend #11 of Example 13, Blend #12 of Example 14, Blend #13of Example 15 and Blend #14 of Example 16.

FIG. 19 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #7 of Example 9, Blend #8 of Example 10, Blend #9 ofExample 11, Blend #10 of Example 12 and Blend #11 of Example 13.

FIG. 20 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #12 of Example 14, Blend #13 of Example 15 and Blend #14of Example 16.

FIG. 21 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #15 of Example 17 and Blend #16 of Example 18.

FIG. 22 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #20 of Example 22, Blend #21 of Example 23 and Blend #22of Example 24.

FIG. 23 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #23 of Example 25.

FIG. 24 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #23 of Example 25.

FIG. 25 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #24 of Example 26, Blend #25 of Example 27, Blend #26 ofExample 28, Blend #27 of Example 29, Blend #28 of Example 30. Blend #29of Example 31, Blend #30 of Example 32, Blend #31 of Example 33, thelitter of Example 35, Blend #41 of Example 44, Blend #42 of Example 45,Blend #43 of Example 46, Blend #44 of Example 47, Blend #45 of Example48 and Blend #46 of Example 49.

FIG. 26 shows a table providing information about the paper granulesused in Blend #24 of Example 26, Blend #25 of Example 27, Blend #26 ofExample 28 and Blend #27 of Example 29.

FIG. 27 shows a table providing information about the wood fiberparticles used in Blend #28 of Example 30.

FIG. 28 shows a table providing information about the barley grains usedin Blend #29 of Example 31, Blend #30 of Example 32 and Blend #31 ofExample 33.

FIG. 29 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #32 of Example 34.

FIG. 30 shows a table providing information about the sodium bentoniteused in Blend #33 of Example 36, Blend #34 of Example 37, Blend #35 ofExample 38, Blend #36 of Example 39, Blend #37 of Example 40 and Blend#37 of Example 40.

FIG. 31 shows a table providing information about the calcium bentoniteused in Blend #33 of Example 36, Blend #34 of Example 37, Blend #35 ofExample 38, Blend #36 of Example 39, Blend #37 of Example 40 and Blend#37 of Example 40.

FIG. 32 shows a table providing information about the attapulgite usedin Blend #41 of Example 44, Blend #42 of Example 45 and Blend #43 ofExample 46.

FIG. 33 shows a table providing information about the Taft clay used inBlend #44 of Example 47, Blend #45 of Example 48 and Blend #46 ofExample 49.

FIG. 34 is a plot of detected ammonia versus days for three differentlitter compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Definitions

Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning ofthe term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below,unless specifically indicated.

For purposes of the present invention, it should be noted that thesingular forms, “a,” “an” and “the” include reference to the pluralunless the context as herein presented clearly indicates otherwise.

For purposes of the present invention, directional terms such as “top,”“bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,”“horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” etc., are merely used forconvenience in describing the various embodiments of the presentinvention. The embodiments of the present invention may be oriented invarious ways. For example, the diagrams, apparatuses, etc., shown in thedrawing figures may be flipped over, rotated by 90° in any direction,reversed, etc.

For purposes of the present invention, a value or property is “based” ona particular value, property, the satisfaction of a condition or otherfactor, if that value is derived by performing a mathematicalcalculation or logical decision using that value, property or otherfactor.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “blend” refers to auniform or substantially uniform mixture of two or more solid materials.One or more materials in a blend may be coated.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “cellulose-containingmaterial” refers to a material in which 10% or more of the material iscomprised of cellulose. Examples of cellulose-containing materialsinclude paper, wood, seeds, fibers, etc. Examples of suitable seeds andgrains for use as filler material include grass seeds and grains such asbarley, rice, wheat, corn, maize, etc., pieces and parts thereof,reconstituted parts thereof and mixtures thereof.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “clumping additive”refers to a clumping agent other than sodium bentonite.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “clumping agent” refersto a material that increases the clump strength of a litter material.Examples of clumping agents include sodium bentonite, xanthan gum, guargum, etc.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “clump strength” refersto the numerical value of average clump strength for a clump of littermaterial formed by exposing the litter material to a wetting agentapproximating urine. The clump strength of a litter material may bedetermined using one of the clump strength test procedures describedbelow. These procedures include the Standard Drop Method Test andExtreme Drop Method Test described below, as well as other proceduresfor determining clump strength.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “filler” and the term“filler material” refer to a material in a litter product other than aclumping agent, i.e., other than sodium bentonite or a clumpingadditive. In one embodiment of the present invention, a filler materialmay be calcium bentonite. In one embodiment of the present invention,the filler material may be a cellulose-containing material. In oneembodiment of the present invention filler may constitute from 5% to 53%of the total external surface of a litter product. In one embodiment ofthe present invention filler may constitute from 10% to 53% of the totalexternal surface of a litter product. In one embodiment of the presentinvention filler may constitute from 15% to 53% of the total externalsurface of a litter product. In one embodiment of the present inventionfiller may constitute from 50% to 53% of the total external surface of alitter product.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “fragrance coating”refers to a coating comprising a fragrance. A fragrance coating mayinclude other components.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “granular” refers to asolid material having a particle size below 2 mesh. A solid materialused in a mixture of the present invention may be ground to form agranular material.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “granular filler” andthe term “granular filler material” refer to a filler that is granular.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “heterogeneous mixture”refers to a composition in which the components of the mixture may bereadily separated from each other.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “homogeneous mixture”refers to a composition that is uniform.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “mixture” refers to acomposition comprising two or more different components that are mixedbut not combined chemically. An individual component of a heterogenousmixture may comprise two substances that are combined chemically, suchas calcium bentonite particles coated with polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE).

For purposes of the present invention, the term “non-calcium bentoniteclay” refers to a clay other than calcium bentonite. Because a fillermaterial cannot be sodium bentonite, a “non-calcium bentonite clay”cannot be sodium bentonite.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “removably clumpable”refers to a litter that, when exposed to a wetting agent forms one ormore clumps having a firmness of sufficient structural integrity andhardness to withstand mechanical separation from unwetted litter fordisposal. A litter material having a clump strength of ≦1.33 using theStandard Drop Method Test (described below) 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours, 36 hours or 72 hours after the clump is formed byexposure to a liquid is removably clumpable. A litter that is removablyclumpable, i.e., has a clump strength of ≦1.33 using the Standard DropMethod Test, has a clump strength that is substantially the same as alitter comprised of only the sodium bentonite of the litter.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “substantially uniform”refers to a mixture that has substantially the same density throughoutthe mixture.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “Taft clay” refers toAntelope shale. Taft clay is porcelanite that is composed of opalaceousmaterial.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “uniform” refers to amixture of two or more solid materials wherein a measured density of thecomposition for ten or more samples of the mixture has a standarddeviation of no greater than 2.0 lbs/ft³ throughout the mixture. One ormore of the solid materials may be coated.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “uniform blend” refersto a blend that is uniform.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “uniform mixture” refersto a mixture that is uniform.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “wetting agent” refersto a liquid that wets a litter. Examples of wetting agents includeliquids such as water, aqueous solutions, urine, synthetic urine, etc.

Description

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a litter comprisingsodium bentonite and calcium bentonite in which only the calciumbentonite particles are coated in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as adedusting agent. Because clumpability for litters comprising mixtures ofsodium bentonite with a filler, such as calcium bentonite, is dependenton the total external surface area of the sodium bentonite particles inthe litter, by applying a PTFE coating to only the calcium bentoniteparticles, in one embodiment the present invention provides a litterthat is low in dust while not substantially reducing the clumpabililityof the litter.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a litter product blendof sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite in which 90% of the sodiumbentonite particles have a particle size of between 345 and 1695 μm and90% of the calcium bentonite particles have a particle size of between626 and 1695 μm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sodiumbentonite particles have an average size of between 450 and 1000 μm andthe calcium bentonite particles have an average range between 650 and2000 μm.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a litter productcomprising a mixture of sodium bentonite and one or more fillers thathas emissions of ammonia when exposed to urine that are less than forsodium bentonite alone.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a litter productcomprising sodium bentonite and one or more filler materials, in whichthe litter product has similar clumpability properties to sodiumbentonite of the litter while being less dense than the sodium bentonitealone. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a clumpablelitter product employing a cellulose-containing filler material tominimize the amount of sodium bentonite used while still providingclumpability similar to sodium bentonite of the litter.

FIG. 1 shows a method 102 for making a litter product according to oneembodiment of the present invention that includes a fragrance. Method102 starts with a tank 110 containing sodium bentonite granularparticles and a tank 112 containing calcium bentonite particles. At step114 the sodium bentonite particles are delivered from tank 112 to one ofa series of conveyor belts that transport the sodium bentonite to amixing station. At step 116 while the sodium bentonite particles aretravelling on one of the conveyors, a fragrance slurry is added to thesodium bentonite particles as a coating. The fragrance slurry is asolution or suspension containing one or more fragrances and possiblyother additives. Steps 124 and 126 are conducted at the same time assteps 114 and 116. At step 124 the calcium bentonite particles aredelivered from tank 112 to one of a series of conveyor belts thattransport the calcium bentonite to a mixing station. At step 126 whilethe calcium bentonite particles are travelling on one of the conveyors,a PTFE slurry is added to the calcium bentonite particles as a coating.The PTFE slurry is a solution or suspension containing PTFE. At step132, the coated sodium bentonite particles and coated calcium bentoniteparticles are brought together to form a litter mixture. At step 134 thelitter mixture is dedusted. At step 136 the sodium bentonite and thecalcium bentonite are mixed together to form a litter product 138 thatis a uniform blend. The fragrance slurry is sprayed onto the sodiumbentonite particles in step 116 using a first hydraulic sprayer pumpthat sprays the fragrance slurry through a first set of flat fan sprayernozzles to form a fragrance coating. The PTFE slurry is sprayed onto thecalcium bentonite particles in step 126 using a second hydraulic sprayerpump that sprays the PTFE slurry through a second set of flat fansprayer nozzles to form a PTFE coating.

FIG. 2 shows a method 202 for making a litter product according to oneembodiment of the present invention that is fragrance-free. Method 202starts with a tank 210 containing sodium bentonite granular particlesand a tank 212 containing calcium bentonite particles. At step 214 thesodium bentonite particles are delivered from tank 212 to one of aseries of conveyor belts that transport the sodium bentonite to a mixingstation. Steps 224 and 226 are conducted at the same time as step 214.At step 224 the calcium bentonite particles are delivered from tank 212to one of a series of conveyor belts that transport the calciumbentonite to a mixing station. At step 226 while the calcium bentoniteparticles are travelling on one of the conveyors, a PTFE slurry is addedto the calcium bentonite particles as a PTFE coating. The PTFE slurry isa solution or suspension containing PTFE. At step 232, the coated sodiumbentonite particles and coated calcium bentonite particles are broughttogether to form a litter mixture. At step 234 the litter mixture isdedusted. At step 236 the sodium bentonite and the calcium bentonite aremixed together to form a litter product 238 that is a uniform blend. ThePTFE slurry is sprayed onto the calcium bentonite particles in step 226using a hydraulic sprayer pump that sprays the PTFE slurry through asecond set of flat fan sprayer nozzles.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 302 that may be employed in the methods ofFIGS. 1 and 2, as well as other methods of making a litter productaccording to various embodiments of the present invention. Apparatus 302includes a sodium bentonite tank 312 which is used to deliver sodiumbentonite particles to a weigh conveyor belt 314 where the sodiumbentonite particles are weighed. Weigh conveyor belt 314 conveys thesodium bentonite particles to a conveyor belt 316 where a fragranceslurry from a tank 318 may be sprayed onto the sodium bentoniteparticles, as indicated by arrow 320, to form coated sodium bentonite byusing a hydraulic spray pump to pump the fragrance slurry through a setof flat fan sprayer nozzles. If a fragrance-free product is beingproduced, this step of spraying the fragrance slurry on the sodiumbentonite particles may be omitted. For simplicity in the remainder ofthe description of the functioning of apparatus 302 it will be assumedthat the sodium bentonite particles are coated with a fragrance slurryto form a fragrance coating. Conveyor belt 316 conveys the coated sodiumbentonite particles to a base portion 322 of an elevator 324 asindicated by arrow 326.

Apparatus 302 also includes a calcium bentonite tank 332 which is usedto deliver calcium bentonite particles to a weigh conveyor belt 334where the calcium bentonite particles are weighed. Weigh conveyor belt334 conveys the calcium bentonite particles to a conveyor belt 336 wherea PTFE slurry from a tank 340 is sprayed onto the calcium bentoniteparticles, as indicated by arrow 342, to form coated calcium bentoniteparticles by using a hydraulic spray pump to pump the PTFE slurrythrough a set of flat fan sprayer nozzles. Conveyor belt 336 conveys thecalcium bentonite particles to a base portion 322 of elevator 324.

The coated sodium bentonite particles and the coated calcium bentoniteparticles are mixed together at base portion 322 of elevator 324 andconveyed up to a top portion 328 of elevator 324 before falling througha dedust box 348 and a mass flow surge bin 350 and onto a weigh conveyorbelt 352. The total amount of mixture is weighed on weigh conveyor belt352. Weigh conveyer belt 352 conveys the mixture to a conveyor belt 354where one or more additives may be added to the mixture from an additivefeeder 356 as indicated by arrow 358. Conveyor belt 354 conveys themixture to a conveyor belt 360 where the mixture is blended usingstationary mixing plows 362. Conveyor belt 360 eventually conveys themixture to a static mixer 364 to further blend the mixture. After themixture is well blended to form a litter product, the litter product isdispensed from static mixer 364 into a mass flow packaging bin 366, asindicated by arrow 368, and is sent to a packaging apparatus asindicated by arrow 372. Dust collection is performed by various dustcollection devices at various portions of apparatus 302 as shown byarrows 374.

The dedust box function dedusts the clay. Clay falls down a “flight ofstairs” with air passing through the falling clay as it falls from eachstep. The air with entrained dust goes to a dust collector.

One purpose of the mass flow surge bin is to function as a typical surgebin. The mass flow surge bin also functions is to avoid segregation. Anormal surge bin is a kind of “first in first out” and has funnel flow.This action may cause segregation. A mass flow bin does a much betterjob of avoiding segregation. When one mixes materials of eitherdifferent particles sizes or densities, agitation and movement may causesegregation. A mass flow surge bin is a special design where materialmoves as a column down the silo so one gets a “first in, first outbehavior. This greatly lessens agitation and decreases segregation.

In apparatus 302 of FIG. 3, the stationary plows are mounted over amoving belt to plow the material after a material addition. Thestationary plows “fold” the material in. The stationary plows are set upto provide both a rolling action and a back and forth motion forblending. The stationary plows mix the final dry additives into the mainflow of material on the belt by moving the flowing material back andforth from side to side turning it over onto itself. There are fourplows alternately angled left and right. The action is similar to thatinside a static mixer. The movement of the powered conveyor belt flowingthe material past the plows imparts the necessary energy for mixing. Theplows are immediately downstream of where minor quantities of solidpowdered and granular additives are applied. The plows assure that theseadditives are well-mixed into the blend.

The static mixer of apparatus 302 of FIG. 3 is a section of verticalpipe with an arrangement of internal mixing baffles (flanges or louvers)that repeatedly split and recombine the flow to ensure a final uniformblend immediately before packaging.

Apparatus 302 of FIG. 3 is controlled by a control system 382 that isused to control the percentage of each component in the composition ofthe litter's blend. Flows of materials may be dynamically ratioed sothat the blends formed by the apparatus have a specific composition ofingredients. The weight conveyor belt for sodium bentonite sets the pacefor the operation of the apparatus and sends a signal to the controlsystem that is used to properly ratio the flow of calcium bentonite andall other ingredients. During startup, shutdown and speed changes, thecontrol system maintains quality of blend by accounting for differentbelt lengths, belt speeds and flow rates so that flows start and stoptogether at the point of mixing. Further protections on quality includeupper and lower range specifications on key settings. Associated withthese are warning limits and process shutdown limits to preventoff-specification production. Important areas for blending and avoidanceof segregation are the material transfer points, where the stationaryplows blend the mixture, the static mixer and the mass flow surge bin.

In making a cat litter blend, any time a blend is agitated at a materialtransfer point where there is a free flow or free fall of material,segregation may occur. Therefore, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, segregation of the materials in a blend may be minimized byminimizing the number of material transfer points and by minimizing thelength that a blend falls at a material transfer point.

The additive feeder of the apparatus of FIG. 3 may be used to addmaterials such as a clumping agent, a fragrance, odor control additives,etc. Although for simplicity of illustration, only one additive feederis shown in FIG. 3, there may be two or more additive feeders.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sodium bentonite used ina litter mixture may have a bulk density of 60 to 75 lbs/ft³.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the calcium bentonite usedin a litter mixture may have a bulk density of 35 to 45 lbs/ft³.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a sodium bentonite/calciumbentonite blend used in a litter may have a bulk density of 50 to 58lbs/ft³. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sodiumbentonite/calcium bentonite blend may be sufficiently uniform thatdifferences in the bulk density throughout the blend are 2.0 lbs/ft³, or0.97 lbs/ft³, or 0.96 lbs/ft³, or even 0.74 lbs/ft³, for 10 samples ofthe blend.

In addition to calcium bentonite, other materials that may be used asfiller materials in litter compositions of the present invention includeTaft clay, smectites, attapulgite (palygorskite), fuller's earth,diatomaceous earth, kaolinite, sepiolite, zeolite, vermiculite, pumice,perlite, gypsum, beads (polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, glass,silica gel), cloth, cotton, straw, cellulose, bark, poultry litter,reconstituted materials and combinations of materials such as mineralcellulose and light weight fertilizer, recycled wastes such asMilorganite, organic material such as barley grains, corn kernels, wheatgrains, coffee beans, rice grains, nut shells, paper, wood fiber, woodpulp, wood shavings, wood chips, wood flour, sawdust, etc., pieces andparts thereof, reconstituted parts thereof and mixtures thereof. In oneembodiment, filler materials of the present invention may have a bulkdensity of less than of the sodium bentonite in a litter mixture.

In one embodiment, a filler of the present invention may be a granularfiller.

Litter compositions of the present invention may include clumpingadditives. Examples of clumping additives that may be used in mixturesof the present invention include polysaccharides, guar gum, Arabic gum,karaya gum, tara gum, ghatti gum, galactomannan gum, locust bean gum,cellulose ester or ether, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose,polyelectrolyte, xanthan gum, alginates, carrageenan gums, pectins,starches, psyllium husk powder, corn flour, pre-gelatinized corn flour,polyvinyl alcohol, polymers, copolymers, modified starches, etc.

Litter compositions of the present invention may include dedustingagents. Examples of dedusting agents that may be included in a littercomposition of the present invention include polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), oils, water, glycerols, glycols, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, polymers, silicones, calcium chloride, foams, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention in which calcium bentoniteparticles are used as a filler material, a 1.2% slurry of PTFE in watermay be sprayed onto the calcium bentonite particles at the applicationrate of 40 lbs/ton of calcium bentonite (0.48 lbs. active PTFE per tonof calcium bentonite) using an apparatus such as shown in FIG. 1. ThePTFE coated calcium bentonite is later blended with sodium bentonite.

A litter of the present invention may include various other additivessuch as odor control additives, odor masking agents, emulsifiers,fixatives, indicators, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides,attractants, repellants, sanitizers, emollients, humectants, dessicants,dyes, pigments, etc.

Examples of odor control additives that may be included in a littercomposition of the present invention include biocides, ureaseinhibitors, iodine, chlorophyllin sodium copper salts, probiotics,enzymes, baking soda, carbon, zeolites, salts, aldehydes (benzaldehyde,heptaldehyde, undecalcatone, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamaldehyde, citral,vanillin, coumarin, undecanal, etc.).

Examples of odor masking agents that may be included in a littercomposition of the present invention include fragrances such as citrus,floral (lavender), green, fruity, herbaceous, musk, oriental, woody,etc.

Examples of emulsifiers that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include: polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, blockcopolymers such as Lutrol® and non-ionic solubilizers such as Cremophor®RH.

Examples of fixatives that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include polypropylene glycol, polypropyleneglycol, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, sugar alcohols, etc.

Examples of indictors that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include pH indicators, ammonia indicators, etc.that change color to indicate a change in pH, the presence of ammonia,etc.

Examples of attractants that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include pheromones, catnip, etc.

Examples of repellants that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include flea repellants, tick repellants, miterepellants, etc.

Examples of sanitizers that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include alcohols, chlorhexidine gluconate,phenols, iodine, quaternary salts, ammonium compounds, hydrogenperoxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium perchlorate, etc.

Examples of dessicants that may be included in a litter composition ofthe present invention include calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, silicagel, etc.

Having described the many embodiments of the present invention indetail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations arepossible without departing from the scope of the invention defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that allexamples in the present disclosure, while illustrating many embodimentsof the invention, are provided as non-limiting examples and are,therefore, not to be taken as limiting the various aspects soillustrated.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods Clump Strength Test—Standard Drop MethodTest

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a dropping device 402 used to test clump strengthusing the Stand Drop Method Test. To measure clump strength of litterformulations an aluminum pan is placed under a dropping device. Thealuminum pan may include one or more sheets of paper product, such as apaper towel, as a liner. A small depression, approximately 1 cm, is madein a flat pile of a litter to be tested. 20 ml of a wetting agent ispoured over the test litter. After 30 seconds a clump is removed fromthe test litter and placed on a swinging platform of a dropping devicewith the bottom side of the clump down. Prior to the clump being placedon the swinging platform, the swinging platform is raised by a user tobe horizontal relative to the inner horizontal surface of the pan. Theuser releases the swinging platform allowing the clump to free fall intoan aluminum pan placed exactly 12 inches (30.5 cm) below. Next, theclump is visually examined for breakage and assigned a rating on a scalefrom 1 to 3: 1: clump intact, no breakage; 2: slight breakage (clumpsbreaks into 2 pieces); and 3: moderate breakage (clump breaks into morethan 2 pieces), as shown in FIG. 6. The test is repeated on 2 moreclumps and the average rating of all 3 clumps is reported. In theExamples 3-49 below, synthetic urine was used as a wetting agent. Theparticular synthetic urine composition used in Drop Method Tests ofExamples 3-49 is shown below in Table A:

TABLE A Component % by weight Water 89.84 Urea 5.44 Sodium chloride 3.00Sodium phosphate 0.78 Ammonium nitrate 0.50 Sodium bisulfate 0.44 Total100.00

Dropping device 402 includes a vertical back 412 mounted on two legs 414and 416 that stand on a table surface 418. A swinging platform 422 ismounted on a vertical back 412 by means of a spring-loaded hinge 424that is attached to swinging platform 422 and a base 426 by mountingplates 428 and 430. Base 426 is mounted on vertical back 412. Analuminum pan 432 is located on table surface 418 below swinging platform422. FIG. 4 shows swinging platform 422 in a down position. FIG. 2 showsswinging platform 422 in an up position. Swinging platform 422 ismaintained in the up position by a user holding swinging platform 422 inthe up position.

FIG. 5 shows a clump 442 having a bottom side 444 resting on swingingplatform 422 at a middle point 452 (shown in FIG. 4) of swingingplatform 422 prior to dropping. When swinging platform 422 is releasedby a user, swinging platform 422 swings down as shown by dashed arrow454 until swinging platform 422 rests against vertical back 412 as shownby shadow lines 456. When swinging platform 422 is released, clump 442drops vertically as shown by dashed arrow 458 into aluminum pan 432. Adropped clump 462 drops a distance, shown by double-headed arrow 464,from a top surface 466 of swinging platform 422 to an inner horizontalsurface 468 of pan 432, which is 12 inches (30.5 cm). Swinging platform422 has a length, shown by double-headed arrow 472, of 7.5 (19.1 cm)inches and a width, shown by double-headed arrow 474, of 4.5 inches(11.4 cm).

Clumps are evaluated using the scale shown in FIG. 6. An intact clump,shown by arrow 612, is given a rating of 1. A clump that breaks intoonly 2 pieces, shown by arrow 614, is given a rating of 2. A clump thatbreaks into 3 or more pieces, shown by arrow 616, is given a rating of3.

Clump Strength Test—Extreme Drop Method Test

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a dropping device 702 used to test clump strengthusing the Extreme Drop Method Test. To measure clump strength of litterformulations an aluminum pan is placed under a dropping device. A smalldepression, approximately 1 cm is made in a flat pile of a litter to betested. 20 ml of synthetic urine is poured over the test litter. After30 seconds a clump is carefully removed from the test litter and placedon a swinging platform of a dropping device with the bottom side of theclump down. Prior to the clump being placed on the swinging platform,the swinging platform is raised by a user to be horizontal relative tothe inner horizontal surface of the pan. The user releases swingingplatform allowing the clump to free-fall into an aluminum pan placedexactly 47 inches (119.4 cm) below. Next, the clump is visually examinedfor breakage and assigned a rating on a scale from 1 to 3: 1: clumpintact, no breakage; 2: slight breakage (clumps breaks into 2 pieces);and 3: moderate breakage (clump breaks into more than 2 pieces). Thetest is repeated on 2 more clumps and the average rating of all 3 clumpsis reported.

Dropping device 702 including a vertical back 712 mounted on two legs714 and 716 that stand on a table surface 718. A swinging platform 722is mounted on vertical back 712 by means of a spring-loaded hinge 724that is attached swinging platform 722 and a base 726 by mounting plates728 and 730. Base 726 is mounted on vertical back 712. An aluminum pan732 is located on table surface 718 below swinging platform 722. FIG. 7shows swinging platform 722 in a down position. FIG. 8 shows swingingplatform 722 in an up position. Swinging platform 722 is maintained inthe up position by a user holding swinging platform 722 in the upposition.

FIG. 8 shows a clump 742 having a bottom side 744 resting on swingingplatform 722 at a middle point 752 (shown in FIG. 7) of swingingplatform 722 prior to dropping. When swinging platform 722 is releasedby a user, swinging platform 722 swings down as shown by dashed arrow754 until swinging platform 722 rests against vertical back 712 as shownby shadow lines 756. When swinging platform 722 is released, clump 742drops vertically as shown by dashed arrow 758 into aluminum pan 732. Adropped clump 762 drops a distance, shown by double-headed arrow 764,from a top surface 766 of swinging platform 722 to an inner horizontalsurface 768 of pan 732 is 47 inches (119.4 cm). Swinging platform has alength, shown by double-headed arrow 772, of 7.5 (19.1 cm) inches and awidth, shown by double-headed arrow 774, of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm).

Clumps are evaluated using the scale shown in FIG. 6. An intact clump,shown by arrow 612, is given a rating of 1. A clump breaks into only 2pieces, shown by arrow 614, is given a rating of 2. A clump that breaksinto 3 or more pieces, shown by arrow 616, is given a rating of 3.

Bulk Density—Loose-fill (O'Haus) Method

The Bulk Density—Loose-Fill (O'Haus) Method is a standard test used todetermine the density (in lbs/ft³, or kg/m³) of a granulated or powderedsubstance in its loose state. In this method a tared dry pint cup isfilled to overflowing with a sample of a granulated or powderedsubstance or mixture. The sample is leveled. The weight of the sample ismeasured and the bulk density calculated in pounds per cubic foot orkilograms per cubic meter. Additional information about this testingmethod is provided in ASTM Standard Method E 727, the entire contentsand disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Apparatus and Reagents

-   -   1. Filling Hopper, O'Haus Model 150 or similar equipment    -   2. Cup, standard dry pint    -   3. Balance, accurate to ±0.1 gram    -   4. Straightedge ruler or knife spatula    -   5. Sample splitter

Procedure (Operator Time is Approximately 10 Minutes):

-   -   1. Weigh the standard pint cup to the nearest 0.1 gram and        record (W₁).    -   2. Select 400 grams of material, in accordance with a riffle        method.    -   3. Close the slide gate on the bottom of the O'Haus filling        hopper and pour the 400 grams of material into the hopper.    -   4. Position the dry pint cup below the gate so the cup is        centered and two inches below the gate.    -   5. Open the gate quickly and let the sample fill the cup and        overflow. Do not vibrate the cup or close the gate before all of        the sample flows out of the hopper. (These test methods yield        comparative data.)    -   6. Using a gentle sawing motion, level the material in the cup        with a straightedge ruler or knife spatula.    -   7. Weigh the cup plus material to the nearest 0.1 gram (W₂).

Calculations:

-   -   1. Weight of standard pint cup, in grams (W₁).    -   2. Weight of cup plus sample, in grams (W₂).    -   3. Bulk density, in pounds/cubic foot (lb/ft³) D=(W₂−W₁)×0.113        (The value 0.113 is a conversion factor for converting from        gm/pint=lb/ft³)    -   4. Bulk density, in kg/cubic meter (kg/m³) D=(W₂−W₁)×1.81 (The        value 1.81 is a conversion factor for converting from        gm/pint=kg/m³)

Odor Control—Magic Cat Box Method

Magic Cat Box testing provides an evaluation of a cat litter's ammoniacontrol efficacy over time under stressful conditions. The test can beused to compare competitive products and to evaluate newfragrance/biocide systems. This test involves mixing feces-inoculatedsynthetic cat urine with test material, placing in capped, ventilatedjars and testing periodically for ammonia formation using ammoniadetection tubes.

Apparatus and Reagents:

-   -   1. High shear blender    -   2. 16 oz wide-mouth plastic jars    -   3. Lids (fitting 16-oz jars) with pre-drilled holes, ¼″ in        diameter in the center and 1/16″ in diameter off to side    -   4. Inoculated urine (see formula and procedure below)    -   5. Flow meter    -   6. Vacuum rated tubing    -   7. Rubber washers    -   8. RAE ammonia detection tubes (25-500 ppm)    -   9. Laboratory balance

Procedure:

-   -   1. Prepare feces/synthetic urine slurry by combining the        following ingredients in Table B below in a blender at high        speed for one minute (or until, visually, it seems the feces is        well dispersed):

TABLE B Component % by weight Water 91.43 Cat feces 1.00 Urea 5.22Ammonium phosphate dibasic 0.70 Sodium bisulfate 0.45 Ammonia 0.33Potassium chloride 0.32 Sodium chloride 0.27 Creatinine 0.18 Magnesiumchloride 0.06 Creatine 0.03 Calcium chloride 0.02 Total 100.00

-   -   2. Transfer 100 g of the feces/synthetic urine slurry into each        of the sample jars (three jars per set of samples).    -   3. Slowly pour in enough test material so the slurry gets        entirely absorbed and the excess unsoiled litter particles are        settled on the surface of inoculated litter.    -   4. Allow the samples to sit undisturbed for five minutes and        then remove the excess litter by inverting the jars over the        trash can and gently tapping off the excess litter particles.    -   5. Cover each jar with its lid.    -   6. Evaluate the samples for ammonia every other day (or as        needed), starting on day 2.    -   7. Perform evaluation by first adjusting the vacuum flow to 310        cc/min. using flow meter.    -   8. Place rubber washer ring on RAE detection tube 0.75″ from the        tip.    -   9. Snip glass ends off tube and place vacuum hose on tube (flow        arrows on tube pointing toward vacuum hose).    -   10. Insert RAE tube into the hole in the center of the lid up to        the rubber washer. Draw sample air into tube for one minute and        record ammonia level.    -   11. Discontinue testing samples when ammonia is detected at the        100 ppm level (failure).    -   12. Record day of failure.    -   13. After all three samples per each set have failed, record        average day to failure for sample set.

Example 1

A litter is produced using the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 1.This litter has the composition shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Application Rate Ingredient % (w/w) (lbs/ton) Sodium bentonite64.4 1300 Calcium bentonite 34.7 700 Fragrance slurry 0.3 6 PTFE slurry0.7 14 Totals 100.0 2020

The fragrance slurry (coating) is applied only to the sodium bentonite.The fragrance slurry has a composition shown in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Amount Ingredient % (w/w) (lbs/ton) Water 68.8 1376 Emulsifier10.0 200 Fragrance 16.9 338 Odor control additive 3.4 68 Colorant 0.9 18Totals 100.0 2000The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) slurry (coating) is applied only tothe calcium bentonite. The PTFE slurry has a composition shown in Table3 below:

TABLE 3 Application Rate Ingredient % (w/w) (lbs/ton) Water 98.0 196060% PTFE suspension in water 2.0 40 Totals 100.0 2000Based on information in Table 3, the slurry is 1.2% PTFE (w/w). Based onthe information in Tables 1 and 3, PTFE makes up 0.0084% (w/w) of thelitter composition.

Example 2

A fragrance-free litter is produced using the manufacturing processshown in FIG. 2. This litter has the composition shown in Table 4 below:

TABLE 4 Application Rate Ingredient % (w/w) (lbs/ton) Sodium bentonite64.5 1300 Calcium bentonite 34.8 700 PTFE slurry 0.7 14 Totals: 100.02014

Examples 3-49

In Examples 3-49 below, the following terms have the following meanings:

-   -   % w/w=percentage by weight of the total mixture    -   PC/lb=particle count per lb of product    -   PC Dist.=particle count distribution in product as a percentage        of the total product    -   Ext. SA=external surface area (ft²/lb of product)    -   Ext. SA Dist.=external surface area distribution in product as a        percentage of the total product

In Examples 3-49 below, tests are conducted on blends of a swelling clayand a non-swelling clay, a swelling clay alone, blends of a swellingclay with paper particles, a blend of a swelling clay with wood fiberparticles and blends of a swelling clay with barley grains. The swellingclay used is sodium bentonite from Wyoming from the company Wyo-Ben. Thenon-swelling clay used is Oil-Dri's Blue Mountain RVM clay (calciumbentonite). Each experimental blend of sodium bentonite and calciumbentonite clay is prepared by weighing out each component into a clean,plastic cat litter bin and blending by hand until uniform. Immediatelyafter blending, about 1,000 grams of each blend is transferred to anappropriately sized plastic container. Next, 20 ml of room temperaturetap water is drawn using a transfer pipette and poured over the blend toform a clump. A total of three clumps are formed in each container. Theclumps are allowed to sit for 30 seconds and one hour prior to testing.In some cases the clumps are prepared 12, 24 and 36 hours prior totesting. The clump strength is tested using the Standard Drop MethodTest. The aluminum pan is lined with a paper towel. The clumps are eachtested by placing a clump on the spring loaded hinged platform of thedropping device and releasing the platform to allow the clump to fallinto the aluminum pan lined with the paper towel. Each clump was droppedfrom the height of 12 inches. The clumps are later evaluated visuallyand rated from 1 to 3 based on the scale shown in FIG. 6. Each blendtested consists of various particle sizes of sodium bentonite andcalcium bentonite clay combined at different ratios based on weight.Multiple particle sizes of raw materials are either provided by asupplier or screened using a Sweeco vibrating particle separator withappropriate screens. The particle size distribution of each raw materialis confirmed by using a Tyler RoTap mechanical sieve shaker with sievesranging in size from 6 to 100 U.S. mesh. A solid material used in amixture of the present invention may be ground to form smallerparticles.

After completion of the particle size analysis, an external surface areaof each particle cut is calculated based on an average mesh size of eachparticle cut, according to an equation: 4πr². The external surface areacalculation is based on a simplifying assumption that each particle is aperfect sphere. The particle count per unit weight of material iscalculated according to the ASTM Standard Test Method E 1520-99. Themultipliers for 4/6, 6/8, 8/10, 6/10 and <100 mesh particles areextrapolated from a power trendline with the R²=0.9923 for the plot ofthe U.S. mesh size versus ASTM multiplier. The particle count is alsobased on a simplified assumption that all particles are spherical; seeFIG. 9.

Next, a total external surface area of each particle cut was calculatedby multiplication of the external surface area value by the number ofparticles in each cut. Following the surface area calculation, acumulative external surface of each raw material is calculated per poundof material by summation of the external surface area values of eachparticle size cut. Finally, a ratio of a total external surface area ofsodium bentonite and Blue Mountain RVM (calcium bentonite) clay perpound of blended material is calculated. After completion of allexperiments, the percentage of external surface area as sodium bentoniteper pound of product is plotted against the clump strength results for30 second and 1 hour clumps, as shown in FIG. 10.

A similar plot was compiled for the percentage of total particle countas sodium bentonite per pound of product versus the clump strengthresults for 30 second and 1 hour clumps, as shown in FIG. 11.

Example 3

Blend #1: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density60.15 lb/ft³, external surface area 27.39 ft²/lb), 35% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 41.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 23.47 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #1 is provided in Table1202 of FIG. 12. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #1 isprovided in Table 1302 of FIG. 13. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 484 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 905 μm.

Information about Blend #1 is provided in Table 5 below:

TABLE 5 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 8,095,362 84 17.80 68 Calcium bentonite 35.00 1,487,90616 8.21 32 Totals 100.00 9,583,268 100 26.02 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 1 11 1 1 Test 2 1 1 2 1 1 Test 3 2 1 1 2 2 Average 1.3 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.3

Example 4

Blend #2: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 35% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 38.44 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #2 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #2 isprovided in Table 1502 of FIG. 15. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 949 μm.

Information about Blend #2 is provided in Table 7 below:

TABLE 7 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 1,236,816 26 11.36 46 Calcium bentonite 35.00 3,575,94174 13.45 54 Totals 100.00 4,812,757 100 24.82 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 8 below.

TABLE 8 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 3 21 1 1 Test 2 3 1 2 1 1 Test 3 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0

Example 5

Blend #3: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 35% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 41.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 15.63 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #3 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #3 isprovided in Table 1602 of FIG. 16. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1995 μm.

Information about Blend #3 is provided in Table 9 below:

TABLE 9 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 1,236,816 39 11.36 68 Calcium bentonite 35.00 1,962,28561 5.47 32 Totals 100.00 3,199,102 100 16.83 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 1 11 1 1 Test 2 1 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 6

Blend #4: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density60.15 lb/ft³, external surface area 27.39 ft²/lb), 50% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 41.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 23.47 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #4 is provided in Table1202 of FIG. 12. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #4 isprovided in Table 1302 of FIG. 13. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 484 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 905 μm.

Information about Blend #4 is provided in Table 11 below:

TABLE 11 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 6,227,201 75 13.70 54 Calcium bentonite 50.00 2,125,58025 11.74 46 Totals 100.00 8,352,781 100 25.43 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 12 below.

TABLE 12 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 7

Blend #5: 65% sodium bentonite (BPO sodium bentonite, bulk density 64.33lb/ft³, external surface area 15.46 ft²/lb), 35% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #5 is provided in Table1702 of FIG. 17. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #5 isprovided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 806 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #5 is provided in Table 13 below:

TABLE 13 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 2,263,767 40 10.05 45 Calcium bentonite 35.00 3,422,60560 12.27 55 Totals 100.00 5,686,371 100 22.33 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 2 2 Test 2 2 1 Test 3 2 1Average 2.0 1.3

Example 8

Blend #6: 70% sodium bentonite (BPM sodium bentonite, bulk density 64.33lb/ft³, external surface area 15.46 ft²/lb), 30% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #6 is provided in Table1702 of FIG. 17. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #6 isprovided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 806 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #6 is provided in Table 15 below:

TABLE 15 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 70.00 2,437,903 45 10.82 51 Calcium bentonite 30.00 2,933,66155 10.52 49 Totals 100.00 5,371,564 100 21.35 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 16 below.

TABLE 16 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 9

Blend #7: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben Exp. sodium bentonite, bulkdensity 62.49 lb/ft³, external surface area 18.75 ft²/lb), 50% calciumbentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07ft²/lb). Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #7 is providedin Table 1902 of FIG. 19. Information about the calcium bentonite ofBlend #7 is provided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle sizeof the sodium bentonite is 650 μm. The average particle size of thecalcium bentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #7 is provided in Table 17 below:

TABLE 17 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 1,983,882 29 9.38 35 Calcium bentonite 50.00 4,889,43571 17.53 65 Totals 100.00 6,873,317 100 26.91 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 18 below.

TABLE 18 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 3 3 Test 2 3 2 Test 3 3 2Average 3.0 2.3

Example 10

Blend #8: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben Exp. sodium bentonite, bulkdensity 62.49 lb/ft³, external surface area 18.75 ft²/lb), 40% calciumbentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07ft²/lb). Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #8 is providedin Table 1902 of FIG. 19. Information about the calcium bentonite ofBlend #8 is provided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle sizeof the sodium bentonite is 650 μm. The average particle size of thecalcium bentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #8 is provided in Table 19 below:

TABLE 19 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodium60.00 2.380,658 38 11.25 45 bentonite Calcium 40.00 3,911,548 62 14.0355 bentonite Totals 100.00 6,292,207 100 25.28 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 20 below.

TABLE 20 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 3 2 Test 3 3 2Average 2.3 1.7

Example 11

Blend #9: 70% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben Exp. sodium bentonite, bulkdensity 62.49 lb/ft³, external surface area 18.75 ft²/lb), 30% calciumbentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07ft²/lb). Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #9 is providedin Table 1902 of FIG. 19. Information about the calcium bentonite ofBlend #9 is provided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle sizeof the sodium bentonite is 650 μm. The average particle size of thecalcium bentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #9 is provided in Table 21 below:

TABLE 21 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 70.00 2,777,435 49 13.13 56 Calcium bentonite 30.00 2,933,66151 10.52 44 Totals 100.00 5,711,096 100 23.65 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 22 below.

TABLE 22 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 12

Blend #10: 80% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben Exp. sodium bentonite, bulkdensity 62.49 lb/ft³, external surface area 18.75 ft²/lb), 20% calciumbentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07ft²/lb). Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #10 is providedin Table 1902 of FIG. 19. Information about the calcium bentonite ofBlend #10 is provided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particlesize of the sodium bentonite is 650 μm. The average particle size of thecalcium bentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #10 is provided in Table 23 below:

TABLE 23 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 80.00 3,174,211 62 15.00 68 Calcium bentonite 20.00 1,955,77438 7.01 32 Totals 100.00 5,129,985 100 22.01 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 24 below.

TABLE 24 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 13

Blend #11: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben Exp. sodium bentonite, bulkdensity 62.49 lb/ft³, external surface area 18.75 ft²/lb), 35% calciumbentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07ft²/lb). Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #11 is providedin Table 1902 of FIG. 19. Information about the calcium bentonite ofBlend #11 is provided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particlesize of the sodium bentonite is 650 μm. The average particle size of thecalcium bentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #11 is provided in Table 25 below:

TABLE 25 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 2,579,047 43 12.19 50 Calcium bentonite 35.00 3,422,60557 12.27 50 Totals 100.00 6,001,651 100 24.46 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 26 below.

TABLE 26 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 14

Blend #12: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.2 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.13 ft²/lb), 50% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #12 is provided in Table2002 of FIG. 20. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #12 isprovided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 799 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #12 is provided in Table 27 below:

TABLE 27 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 2,068,587 30 8.56 33 Calcium bentonite 50.00 4,889,43570 17.53 67 Totals 100.00 6,958,022 100 26.10 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 28 below.

TABLE 28 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 3 2 Test 2 2 2 Test 3 3 2Average 2.7 2.0

Example 15

Blend #13: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.2 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.13 ft²/lb), 40% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #13 is provided in Table2002 of FIG. 20. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #13 isprovided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 799 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #13 is provided in Table 29 below:

TABLE 29 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 60.00 2,482,304 39 10.28 42 Calcium bentonite 40.00 3,911,54861 14.03 58 Totals 100.00 6,393,853 100 24.31 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 30 below.

TABLE 30 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 2 2 Test 2 2 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.7 1.3

Example 16

Blend #14: 70% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.2 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.13 ft²/lb), 30% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 35.07 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #14 is provided in Table2002 of FIG. 20. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #14 isprovided in Table 1802 of FIG. 18. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 799 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #14 is provided in Table 31 below:

TABLE 31 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium70.00 2,896,022 50 11.99 53 bentonite Calcium 30.00 2,933,661 50 10.5247 bentonite Totals 100.00 5,829,683 100 22.51 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 32 below.

TABLE 32 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 17

Blend #15: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 40% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 41.9 lb/ft³, external surface area 31.60 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #15 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #15 isprovided in Table 2102 of FIG. 21. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #15 is provided in Table 33 below:

TABLE 33 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium60.00 1,141,676 21 10.49 45 bentonite Calcium 40.00 4,263,602 79 12.6455 bentonite Totals 100.00 5,405,279 100 23.13 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 34 below.

TABLE 34 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 2 2 Test 2 2 2 Test 3 3 1Average 2.3 1.7

Example 18

Blend #16: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 35% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 41.9 lb/ft³, external surface area 31.60 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #16 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #16 isprovided in Table 2102 of FIG. 21. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 688 μm.

Information about Blend #16 is provided in Table 35 below:

TABLE 35 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium65.00 1,236,816 25 11.36 51 bentonite Calcium 35.00 3,730,652 75 11.0649 bentonite Totals 100.00 4,967,468 100 22.42 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to water. No tests are conducted 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 36 below.

TABLE 36 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 19

Blend #17: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 50% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.04 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #17 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #17 isprovided in Table 1502 of FIG. 15. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1117 μm.

Information about Blend #17 is provided in Table 37 below:

TABLE 37 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium50.00 951,397 58 8.74 42 bentonite Calcium 50.00 690,696 42 12.02 58bentonite Totals 100.00 1,642,094 100 20.76 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 38 below.

TABLE 38 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 2 11 1 1 Test 2 3 1 1 1 1 Test 3 3 1 1 2 1 Average 2.7 1.0 1.0 1.3 1.0

Example 20

Blend #18: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 45% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.04 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #18 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #18 isprovided in Table 1502 of FIG. 15. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1117 μm.

Information about Blend #18 is provided in Table 39 below:

TABLE 39 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium55.00 1,046,537 63 9.61 47 bentonite Calcium 45.00 621,627 37 10.82 53bentonite Totals 100.00 1,668,164 100 20.43 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 40 below.

TABLE 40 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 1 11 1 1 Test 2 1 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 21

Blend #19: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.48 ft²/lb), 40% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 37.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.04 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #19 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #19 isprovided in Table 1502 of FIG. 15. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 794 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1117 μm.

Information about Blend #19 is provided in Table 41 below:

TABLE 41 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium60.00 1,141,676 67 10.49 52 bentonite Calcium 40.00 552,557 33 9.62 48bentonite Totals 100.00 1,694,234 100 20.11 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours, 24 hours and 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water.The results of these tests are shown in Table 42 below.

TABLE 42 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. 36 hrs. Test 1 1 11 1 1 Test 2 1 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 22

Blend #20: 40% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.66 ft²/lb), 60% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 46.22 lb/ft³, external surface area 14.02 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #20 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #20 isprovided in Table 2202 of FIG. 22. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 778 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1960 μm.

Information about Blend #20 is provided in Table 43 below:

TABLE 43 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodium40.00 2,524,423 49 7.06 46 bentonite Calcium 60.00 2,607,640 51 8.41 54bentonite Totals 100.00 5,132,062 100 15.48 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours and 24 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. No testsare conducted 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. Theresults of these tests are shown in Table 44 below.

TABLE 44 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. Test 1 1 1 3 1Test 2 2 1 2 1 Test 3 2 1 1 1 Average 1.7 1.0 2.0 1.0

Example 23

Blend #21: 45% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.66 ft²/lb), 55% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 46.22 lb/ft³, external surface area 14.02 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #21 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #21 isprovided in Table 2202 of FIG. 22. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 778 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1960 μm.

Information about Blend #21 is provided in Table 45 below:

TABLE 45 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 45.00 2,839,975 54 7.95 51 Calcium bentonite 55.00 2.390,33646 7.71 49 Totals 100.00 5,230,312 100 15.66 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours and 24 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. No testsare conducted 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. Theresults of these tests are shown in Table 46 below.

TABLE 46 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. Test 1 1 1 2 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.3 1.0

Example 24

Blend #22: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.4 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.66 ft²/lb), 50% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 46.22 lb/ft³, external surface area 14.02 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #22 is provided in Table1402 of FIG. 14. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #22 isprovided in Table 2202 of FIG. 22. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 778 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1960 μm.

Information about Blend #22 is provided in Table 47 below:

TABLE 47 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 3,155,528 59 8.83 56 Calcium bentonite 50.00 2,173,03341 7.01 44 Totals 100.00 5,328,561 100 15.84 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours and 24 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. No testsare conducted 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. Theresults of these tests are shown in Table 48 below.

TABLE 48 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 25

Blend #23: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density64.86 lb/ft³, external surface area 16.33 ft²/lb), 45% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 39.75 lb/ft³, external surface area 22.80 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #23 is provided in Table2302 of FIG. 23. Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #23 isprovided in Table 2402 of FIG. 24. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 832 μm. The average particle size of the calciumbentonite is 1094 μm.

Information about Blend #23 is provided in Table 49 below:

TABLE 49 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 1,227,224 46 8.98 47 Calcium bentonite 45.00 1,424,66354 10.26 53 Totals 100.00 2,651,887 100 19.24 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 12hours and 24 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. No testsare conducted 36 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. Theresults of these tests are shown in Table 50 below.

TABLE 50 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 12 hrs. 24 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 26

Blend #24: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 50% paper granules(paper granule Biodac, bulk density 46.5 lb/ft³, external surface area18.17 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is 55.90 lb/ft³.Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #24 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the paper granules of Blend #24 isprovided in Table 2602 of FIG. 26. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the papergranules is 1224 μm.

Information about Blend #24 is provided in Table 51 below:

TABLE 51 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 4,375,015 94 8.51 48 Paper granules 50.00 274,075 6 9.0952 Totals 100.00 4,649,090 100 17.59 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 52 below.

TABLE 52 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 2 2 1 1 Test 3 2 2 2 3 Average 1.7 1.7 1.3 1.7

Example 27

Blend #25: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 45% paper granules(paper granule Biodac, bulk density 46.5 lb/ft³, external surface area18.17 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is 57.23 lb/ft³.Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #25 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the paper granules of Blend #25 isprovided in Table 2602 of FIG. 26. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the papergranules is 1224 μm.

Information about Blend #25 is provided in Table 53 below:

TABLE 53 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 4,812,516 95 9.36 53 Paper granules 45.00 246,668 5 8.1847 Totals 100.00 5,059,184 100 17.53 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 54 below.

TABLE 54 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 28

Blend #26: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 35% paper granules(paper granule Biodac, bulk density 46.5 lb/ft³, external surface area18.17 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is 57.25 lb/ft³.Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #26 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the paper granules of Blend #26 isprovided in Table 2602 of FIG. 26. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the papergranules is 1224 μm.

Information about Blend #26 is provided in Table 55 below:

TABLE 55 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 5,687,519 97 11.06 63 Paper granules 35.00 191,853 36.36 37 Totals 100.00 5,879,372 100 17.42 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 56 below.

TABLE 56 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 29

Blend #27: 70% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 30% paper granules(paper granule Biodac, bulk density 46.5 lb/ft³, external surface area18.17 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is 58.45 lb/ft³.Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #27 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the paper granules of Blend #27 isprovided in Table 2602 of FIG. 26. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the papergranules is 1224 μm.

Information about Blend #27 is provided in Table 57 below:

TABLE 57 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 70.00 6,125,021 97 11.91 69 Paper granules 30.00 164,445 35.45 31 Totals 100.00 6,289,466 100 17.36 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 58 below.

TABLE 58 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 30

Blend #28: 86% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 14% wood fiberparticles (bulk density 7.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 102.56ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is 41.13 lb/ft³. Informationabout the sodium bentonite of Blend #28 is provided in Table 2502 ofFIG. 25. Information about the wood fiber of Blend #28 is provided inTable 2702 of FIG. 27. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 927 μm. The average particle size of the wood fiber particles is 1460μm.

Information about Blend #28 is provided in Table 59 below:

TABLE 59 Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 86.00 7,525,026 77 14.63 50 Wood fiber 14.00 2,264,048 2314.36 50 Totals 100.00 9,789,074 100 28.99 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 60 below.

TABLE 60 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 2 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 2 1 3 1 Average 1.3 1.0 2.0 1.0

Example 31

Blend #29: 40% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 60% barley grains(bulk density 49.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.95 ft²/lb). Thefinal density of the blend is 56.91 lb/ft³. Information about the sodiumbentonite of Blend #29 is provided in Table 2502 of FIG. 25. Informationabout the barley grains of Blend #29 is provided in Table 2802 of FIG.28. The average particle size of the sodium bentonite is 927 μm. Theaverage particle size of the barley grains is 1321 μm.

Information about Blend #29 is provided in Table 61 below:

TABLE 61 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 40.00 3,500,012 72 6.80 39 Barley grains 60.00 1,363,828 2810.77 61 Totals 100.00 4,863,840 100 17.57 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 62 below.

TABLE 62 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 2 1 1 1Test 2 2 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.7 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 32

Blend #30: 45% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 55% barley grains(bulk density 49.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.95 ft²/lb). Thefinal density of the blend is 58.13 lb/ft³. Information about the sodiumbentonite of Blend #30 is provided in Table 2502 of FIG. 25. Informationabout the barley grains of Blend #30 is provided in Table 2804 of FIG.28. The average particle size of the sodium bentonite is 927 μm. Theaverage particle size of the barley grains is 1321 μm.

Information about Blend #30 is provided in Table 63 below:

TABLE 63 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 45.00 3,937,513 76 7.65 44 Barley grains 55.00 1,250,175 249.87 56 Totals 100.00 5,187,689 100 17.53 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 64 below.

TABLE 64 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 33

Blend #31: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 50% barley grains(bulk density 49.7 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.95 ft²/lb). Thefinal density of the blend is 58.66 lb/ft³. Information about the sodiumbentonite of Blend #31 is provided in Table 2502 of FIG. 25. Informationabout the barley grains of Blend #31 is provided in Table 2802 of FIG.28. The average particle size of the sodium bentonite is 927 μm. Theaverage particle size of the barley grains is 1321 μm.

Information about Blend #31 is provided in Table 65 below:

TABLE 65 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 4,375.015 79 8.51 49 Barley grains 50.00 1,136,523 218.97 51 Totals 100.00 5,511,538 100 17.48 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 66 below.

TABLE 66 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 2 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 34

Blend #32: 55% sodium bentonite (engineered light weight sodiumbentonite, bulk density 49.66 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.00ft²/lb), 45% calcium bentonite (BL-RVM, bulk density 41.1 lb/ft³,external surface area 22.06 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is45.40 lb/ft³. Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #32 isprovided in Table 2902 of FIG. 29. Information about the calciumbentonite of Blend #32 is provided in Table 1602 of FIG. 16. The averageparticle size of the sodium bentonite is 942 μm. The average particlesize of the calcium bentonite is 1995 μm.

Information about Blend #32 is provided in Table 67 below:

TABLE 67 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 3,619,874 72 11.55 54 Calcium bentonite 45.00 1,410,43928 9.93 46 Totals 100.00 5,030,313 100 21.48 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 68 below.

TABLE 68 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 2 1 1 1Test 2 2 1 1 1 Test 3 2 1 1 1 Average 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 35

A litter is prepared that is 100% sodium bentonite (bulk density 63.3lb/ft³, total external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb). Information about thesodium bentonite litter is provided in Table 2502 of FIG. 25. Theaverage particle size of the sodium bentonite is 927 μm.

Information about this litter is provided in Table 69 below:

TABLE 69 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 100.00 8,750,030 100 17.01 100 Total 100.00 8,750,030 10017.01 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to water. Theresults of these tests are shown in Table 70 below.

TABLE 70 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 36

Blend #33: 45% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 55% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 42.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.40 ft²/lb).The final density of the blend is 52.03 lb/ft³. Information about thesodium bentonite of Blend #33 is provided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30.Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #33 is provided inTable 3102 of FIG. 31. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 775 μm. The average particle size of the calcium bentonite is 1096μm.

Information about Blend #33 is provided in Table 71 below:

TABLE 71 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 45.00 860,164 47 7.93 40 Calcium bentonite 55.00 969,778 5311.77 60 Totals 100.00 1,829,941 100 19.71 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 72 below.

TABLE 72 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 3 2 1 3Test 2 2 3 1 1 Test 3 3 1 3 2 Average 2.7 2.0 1.7 2.0

Example 37

Blend #34: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 50% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 42.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.40 ft²/lb).The final density of the blend is 53.05 lb/ft³. Information about thesodium bentonite of Blend #34 is provided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30.Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #34 is provided inTable 3102 of FIG. 31. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 775 μm. The average particle size of the calcium bentonite is 1096μm.

Information about Blend #34 is provided in Table 73 below:

TABLE 73 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 955,737 52 8.81 45 Calcium bentonite 50.00 881,616 4810.70 55 Totals 100.00 1,837,353 100 19.52 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 74 below.

TABLE 74 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 2 1 2Test 2 1 2 1 1 Test 3 2 1 2 3 Average 1.3 1.7 1.3 2.0

Example 38

Blend #35: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 45% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 42.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.40 ft²/lb).The final density of the blend is 54.13 lb/ft³. Information about thesodium bentonite of Blend #35 is provided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30.Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #35 is provided inTable 3102 of FIG. 31. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 775 μm. The average particle size of the calcium bentonite is 1096μm.

Information about Blend #35 is provided in Table 75 below:

TABLE 75 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 1,051,311 57 9.70 50 Calcium bentonite 45.00 793,455 439.63 50 Totals 100.00 1,844,766 100 19.33 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 76 below.

TABLE 76 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 3 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.7

Example 39

Blend #36: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 40% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 42.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.40 ft²/lb).The final density of the blend is 54.21 lb/ft³. Information about thesodium bentonite of Blend #36 is provided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30.Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #36 is provided inTable 3102 of FIG. 31. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 775 μm. The average particle size the calcium bentonite is 1096 μm.

Information about Blend #36 is provided in Table 77 below:

TABLE 77 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 60.00 1,146,885 62 10.58 55 Calcium bentonite 40.00 705,293 388.56 45 Totals 100.00 1,852,178 100 19.14 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 78 below.

TABLE 78 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 40

Blend #37: 45% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 55% calcium bentonite(BL-RVM, bulk density 42.1 lb/ft³, external surface area 21.40 ft²/lb).The final density of the blend is 52.30 lb/ft³. Information about thesodium bentonite of Blend #37 is provided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30.Information about the calcium bentonite of Blend #37 is provided inTable 3102 of FIG. 31. The average particle size of the sodium bentoniteis 775 μm. The average particle size of the calcium bentonite is 1096μm.

Information about Blend #37 is provided in Table 79 below:

TABLE 79 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 45.00 860,164 47 7.93 40 Calcium bentonite 55.00 969,778 5311.77 60 Totals 100.00 1,829,941 100 19.71 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 80 below.

TABLE 80 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 3 2 1 3Test 2 1 2 1 1 Test 3 2 2 1 1 Average 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.7

Example 41

Blend #38: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 50% PTFE-coatedcalcium bentonite (BL-RVM coated with 40 lbs of 1.2% PTFE solution perton of clay, bulk density prior to coating 42.1 lb/ft³, external surfacearea prior to coating 21.40 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is53.13 lb/ft³. Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #38 isprovided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30. Information about the calciumbentonite of Blend #38 is provided in Table 3102 of FIG. 31. The averageparticle size of the sodium bentonite is 775 μm. The average particlesize of the calcium bentonite is 1096 μm.

Information about Blend #38 is provided in Table 81 below:

TABLE 81 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 955,737 52 8.81 45 PTFE-coated 50.00 881,616 48 10.70 55calcium bentonite Totals 100.00 1,837,353 100 19.52 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 82 below.

TABLE 82 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 2 1 2Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 2 3 2 3 Average 1.3 2.0 1.3 2.0

Example 42

Blend #39: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 45% PTFE-coatedcalcium bentonite (BL-RVM coated with 40 lbs of 1.2% PTFE solution perton of clay, bulk density prior to coating 42.1 lb/ft³, external surfacearea prior to coating 21.40 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is54.27 lb/ft³. Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #39 isprovided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30. Information about the calciumbentonite of Blend #39 is provided in Table 3102 of FIG. 31. The averageparticle size of the sodium bentonite is 775 μm. The average particlesize of the calcium bentonite is 1096 μm.

Information about Blend #39 is provided in Table 83 below:

TABLE 83 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 1,051,311 57 9.70 50 PTFE-coated 45.00 793,455 43 9.6350 calcium bentonite Totals 100.00 1,844,766 100 19.33 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 84 below.

TABLE 84 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 1 1Test 2 1 2 1 2 Test 3 1 3 1 1 Average 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.3

Example 43

Blend #40: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density65.74 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.63 ft²/lb), 40% PTFE-coatedcalcium bentonite (BL-RVM coated with 40 lbs of 1.2% PTFE solution perton of clay, bulk density prior to coating 42.1 lb/ft³, external surfacearea prior to coating 21.40 ft²/lb). The final density of the blend is54.50 lb/ft³. Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #40 isprovided in Table 3002 of FIG. 30. Information about the calciumbentonite of Blend #40 is provided in Table 3102 of FIG. 31. The averageparticle size of the sodium bentonite is 775 μm. The average particlesize of the calcium bentonite is 1096 μm.

Information about Blend #40 is provided in Table 85 below:

TABLE 85 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 60.00 1,146,885 62 10.58 55 PTFE-coated 40.00 705,293 38 8.5645 calcium bentonite Totals 100.00 1,852,178 100 19.14 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 86 below.

TABLE 86 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 2 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.0

Example 44

Blend #41: 65% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 35% attapulgite(GA-RVM, bulk density 32.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 27.95 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #41 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #41 isprovided in Table 3202 of FIG. 32. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the attapulgiteis 1099 μm.

Information about Blend #41 is provided in Table 87 below:

TABLE 87 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 65.00 5,687,519 90 11.06 53 Attapulgite 35.00 643,102 10 9.7847 Totals 100.00 6,330,621 100 20.84 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 88 below.

TABLE 88 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 2 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 45

Blend #42: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 40% attapulgite(GA-RVM, bulk density 32.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 27.95 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #42 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #42 isprovided in Table 3202 of FIG. 32. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the attapulgiteis 1099 μm.

Information about Blend #42 is provided in Table 89 below:

TABLE 89 Component % w/w PC/lb PC Dist. Ext. SA Ext. SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 60.00 5,250,018 88 10.21 48 Attapulgite 40.00 734,973 12 11.1852 Totals 100.00 5,984,991 100 21.39 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 90 below.

TABLE 90 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 2 1 1 1Test 2 1 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0

Example 46

Blend #43: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 45% attapulgite(GA-RVM, bulk density 32.5 lb/ft³, external surface area 27.95 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #43 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #43 isprovided in Table 3202 of FIG. 32. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the attapulgiteis 1099 μm.

Information about Blend #43 is provided in Table 91 below:

TABLE 91 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 4,812,516 85 9.36 43 Attapulgite 45.00 826,845 15 12.5857 Totals 100.00 5,639,362 100 21.93 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1 hour, 24hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine.The results of these tests are shown in Table 92 below.

TABLE 92 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Test 1 1 1 2 1Test 2 3 1 1 1 Test 3 1 1 1 1 Average 1.7 1.0 1.3 1.0

Example 47

Blend #44: 60% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 40% Taft clay (TF-RVM,bulk density 40.0 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.22 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #44 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #44 isprovided in Table 3302 of FIG. 33. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the Taft clayis 1050 μm.

Information about Blend #44 is provided in Table 93 below:

TABLE 93 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 60.00 5,250,018 65 10.21 51 Taft clay 40.00 2,860,640 35 9.6949 Totals 100.00 8,110,658 100 19.89 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine. The results ofthese tests are shown in Table 94 below.

TABLE 94 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Example 48

Blend #45: 55% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 45% Taft clay (TF-RVM,bulk density 40.0 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.22 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #45 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #45 isprovided in Table 3302 of FIG. 33. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the Taft clayis 1050 μm.

Information about Blend #45 is provided in Table 95 below:

TABLE 95 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 50.00 4,375,015 55 8.51 41 Taft clay 50.00 3,575,800 45 12.1159 Totals 100.00 7,950,815 100 20.61 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine. The results ofthese tests are shown in Table 96 below.

TABLE 96 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 2 1 Test 2 2 1 Test 3 2 1Average 2.0 1.0

Example 49

Blend #46: 50% sodium bentonite (Wyo-Ben sodium bentonite, bulk density63.3 lb/ft³, external surface area 17.01 ft²/lb), 50% Taft clay (TF-RVM,bulk density 40.0 lb/ft³, external surface area 24.22 ft²/lb).Information about the sodium bentonite of Blend #46 is provided in Table2502 of FIG. 25. Information about the attapulgite of Blend #46 isprovided in Table 3302 of FIG. 33. The average particle size of thesodium bentonite is 927 μm. The average particle size of the Taft clayis 1050 μm.

Information about Blend #46 is provided in Table 97 below:

TABLE 97 PC Ext. Ext. Component % w/w PC/lb Dist. SA SA Dist. Sodiumbentonite 55.00 4,812,516 60 9.36 46 Taft clay 45.00 3,218,220 40 10.9054 Totals 100.00 8,030,737 100 20.25 100Clump strength is tested for samples after using the Standard DropMethod Test described above. Tests are conducted 30 seconds and 1 hourafter exposure of the test litter to synthetic urine. The results ofthese tests are shown in Table 98 below.

TABLE 98 Clump Strength 30 sec. 1 hr. Test 1 1 1 Test 2 1 1 Test 3 1 1Average 1.0 1.0

Results and Conclusions from Examples 3-49

Based on the results of Examples 3-25, 34 and 36-43, sodiumbentonite/calcium bentonite clay blends with 47% or more of the totalexternal surface area coming from sodium bentonite particles tested 1.0(clumps intact) for clump strength at 30 seconds except for Blend #1 ofExample 3 which tested 1.3 based on an average of 3 clumps. All of theblends with 47% or more of the total external surface area coming fromsodium bentonite tested 1.0 for 1-hour clumps. The sodiumbentonite/calcium bentonite blends have clumpability similar to theclumpability of the sodium bentonite alone (see Example 35 above).

Therefore, Examples 3-25 and 34-43 show that it is possible to formsodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blends having clumpability similar tothe sodium bentonite wherein 50% or less, or even as little as 47%, ofthe total external surface area of all the particles in the blend arefrom sodium bentonite particles.

All remaining blends with 33% to 46% of the total external surface areacoming from sodium bentonite tested between 1.7 and 3.0 (slight tomoderate breakage) for 30-second clumps. and 1.0 to 2.3 (clump intact toslight breakage) for 1-hour clumps.

A direct relationship is found between clumping and percentage totalexternal surface area of swelling clay in a swelling/non-swelling clayblend. A minimum of 47% of the total external surface area of allparticles in a swelling/non-swelling clay blend needs to originate fromthe swelling clay in order for the product to form strong clumps at 30seconds upon wetting. As the percentage total external surface area ofswelling clay in a swelling/non-swelling clay blend increases, the clumpstrength also increases. The longer the clumps are allowed to sit priorto testing, the stronger they get.

Examples 36-43 show that sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blends inwhich the calcium bentonite are coated with PTFE (Examples 41-43) havesimilar clumpability properties to sodium bentonite/calcium bentoniteblends in which the calcium bentonite is uncoated (Examples 36-40).

Examples 26-33 show that sodium bentonite/paper granule blends (Examples26-29), a sodium bentonite/wood fiber particle blend (Example 30) andsodium bentonite/barley grain blends (Examples 31-33) with 47% or moreof the total external surface area coming from sodium bentoniteparticles have clumpability similar to the clumpability of the sodiumbentonite alone (see Example 35 above).

Examples 44-46 show that sodium bentonite/attapulgite blends with 47% ormore of the total external surface area coming from sodium bentoniteparticles have clumpability similar to the clumpability of the sodiumbentonite alone (see Example 35 above).

Examples 47-49 show that sodium bentonite/Taft clay blends with 47% ormore of the total external surface area coming from sodium bentoniteparticles have clumpability similar to the clumpability of the sodiumbentonite alone (see Example 35 above).

Example 50

Ten litter mixtures are prepared having the following compositions:

-   -   Litter 1: 100% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend.    -   Litter 2: 99.75% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.25%        xanthan gum (fine mesh). For this litter, fine mesh refers to a        minimum of 70% of the particles passing through 200-mesh sieve.        The clumping additive xanthan gum is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 3: 99.75% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.25%        sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (fine mesh). For this litter,        “fine mesh” refers to a maximum of the 20% of the particles        remaining on 200-mesh sieve. The clumping additive sodium        carboxymethyl cellulose is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 4: 99.75% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.25%        guar gum (fine mesh). For this litter, “fine mesh” refers to a        minimum of 90% of the particles passing through 270-mesh sieve.        The clumping additive guar gum is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 5: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        guar gum (fine mesh). For this litter, “fine mesh” refers to a        minimum of 90% of the particles passing through 270-mesh sieve.        The clumping additive guar gum is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 6: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        guar gum (coarse mesh). For this litter, “coarse mesh” refers to        a maximum of 20% of the particles passing through 200-mesh        sieve. The clumping additive guar gum is added to the final        blend.    -   Litter 7: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (medium mesh). For this litter,        “medium mesh” refers to 40% to 75% of the particles being        retained on a 200-mesh sieve. The clumping additive sodium        carboxymethyl cellulose is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 8: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (coarse mesh). For this litter,        “coarse mesh” refers to a minimum of 85% of the particles being        retained on 200-mesh sieve. The clumping additive sodium        carboxymethyl cellulose is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 9: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        psyllium 95%. Psyllium 95% is a psyllium husk powder that is 95%        pure (medium mesh). For this litter, “medium mesh” refers to an        average particle size of 40-mesh. The clumping additive psyllium        is added to the final blend.    -   Litter 10: 99.5% sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend, 0.5%        psyllium 95% (fine mesh). For this litter, “fine mesh” refers to        an average particle size of 100-mesh. The clumping additive        psyllium is added to the final blend.

In all of the above litters, the ratio of sodium bentonite to calciumbentonite in the sodium bentonite/calcium bentonite blend is 65% sodiumbentonite to 35% calcium bentonite. In all of the above litters, thesodium bentonite is coated with a fragrance slurry coating having thecomposition shown in Table 2 of Example 1. In all of the above litters,the calcium bentonite is coated with a PTFE slurry coating having thecomposition shown in Table 3 of Example 1. The granulation size (fine,medium and coarse) for the clumping additives is defined by thesuppliers of the clumping additive. Because the suppliers for thedifferent clumping additives are different, the particle sizespecifications vary.

Table 99 below shows the results of a clump strength test with syntheticurine using the Standard Drop Method Test described above using theaverage of 3 drops for each clump strength value. Tests are conducted 30seconds, 1 hour, 24 hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litterto synthetic urine.

TABLE 99 Clump Strength using Standard Drop Method Test Litter 30 sec. 1hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Average 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.03 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 6 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 7 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 8 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 9 1.0 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 10 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Table 100 below shows the results a clump strength test with syntheticurine using the Extreme Drop Method described above using the average of3 drops for each clump strength value. Tests are conducted 30 seconds, 1hour, 24 hours and 72 hours after exposure of the test litter tosynthetic urine.

TABLE 100 Clump Strength using Extreme Drop Method Test Litter 30 sec. 1hr. 24 hrs. 72 hrs. Average 1 3.0 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.0 2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.03 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 6 3.02.0 1.0 1.0 1.8 7 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.2 8 1.7 1.0 1.0 1.3 1.3 9 3.0 2.31.7 1.0 2.0 10 2.3 2.3 1.3 1.0 1.7

Example 51

Three litters are tested for odor control properties using the Magic CatBox method described above. Litter A is an untreated sodium bentonitelitter. Litter B is an untreated calcium bentonite litter. Litter C isan untreated 65/35 mixture of sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite(65% sodium bentonite, 35% calcium bentonite). The results of thesetests are shown in Tables 101, 102 and 103 below and in plot 3402 ofFIG. 34.

TABLE 101 Odor Control Litter A Day Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average 00 0 0 0 1 10 10 5 8 2 10 10 5 8 3 10 10 5 8 7 50 30 65 48 8 60 40 80 6010 90 70 130 97 11 130 140 160 143

TABLE 102 Odor Control Litter B Day Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average 00 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 7 35 50 25 37 8 180 160 80 140 10270 220 130 207

TABLE 103 Odor Control Litter C Day Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average 00 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 7 25 25 25 25 8 25 25 25 25 10 6060 50 57 11 90 90 70 83 14 220 210 210 213

In plot 3402, the squares are for Litter A (sodium bentonite, NaB), thecircles are for Litter B (10/24 BL RVM clay, BL) and the triangles arefor Litter C (65/35 blend, 65/35).

Example 52

Three litters are prepared and poured into boxes using the apparatus ofFIG. 3. Each litter is 65% sodium bentonite and 35% calcium bentonite.Ten samples are taken from each litter and the density of each sample isdetermined using the Loose-Fill (O'Haus) Method described above.

Samples are taken from the top (sample 1) to the bottom (sample 2) ofeach box. Results of these density measurements are provided in Table104 below.

TABLE 104 Density Measurements Density, lbs/ft³ Sample # Box #1 Box #2Box #3 1 (top) 55.6 56.5 56.4 2 56.2 56.3 55.9 3 56.3 57.3 57.3 4 56.957.5 56.4 5 56.9 57.2 56.7 6 57.1 58.3 58.2 7 57.2 58.3 57.8 8 57.1 58.557.8 9 55.9 57.7 57.0 10 (bottom) 55.0 55.5 55.0 Standard deviation 0.740.97 0.96 Average 56.41 57.31 56.84

Example 53

A litter composition comprising a sodium bentonite/calcium bentoniteblend is formed using the apparatus of FIG. 1. The fragrance slurry ofExample 1 is coated on the sodium bentonite and a PTFE slurry is coatedon the calcium bentonite.

The PTFE slurry consists of 98.0% water and 2.0% of a 60% PTFEsuspension in water. The PTFE slurry is applied to the calcium bentoniteat rate of 40.0 lbs/ton of PTFE slurry/calcium bentonite to attain 14.0lbs/ton of PTFE slurry/calcium bentonite in finished product.

While the present invention has been disclosed with references tocertain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations and changes tothe described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphereand scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A lightweight clumping cat litter, comprising45%-80% by weight of sodium bentonite and 20%-55% by weight of anon-swelling sorbent material, wherein the sodium bentonite comprises47% or more of the external surface area of the litter, and wherein uponcontact with a sufficient amount of liquid, a portion of the litterso-contacted forms an intact, removable clump within thirty seconds ofthe contact, which clump remains intact for at least one hour after thecontact.
 13. The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim 12, whereinthe litter comprises 45-55% by weight of sodium bentonite and 45-55% byweight of the non-swelling sorbent material.
 14. The lightweightclumping cat litter of claim 12, wherein the litter comprises 50% byweight of sodium bentonite and 50% by weight of the non-swelling sorbentmaterial.
 15. The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim 12, whereinthe litter comprises 60% by weight of sodium bentonite and 40% by weightof the non-swelling sorbent material.
 16. The lightweight clumping catlitter of claim 12, wherein the litter comprises 65% by weight of sodiumbentonite and 35% by weight of the non-swelling sorbent material. 17.The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim 12, wherein the littercomprises 70% by weight of sodium bentonite and 30% by weight of thenon-swelling sorbent material.
 18. The lightweight clumping cat litterof claim 12, wherein the litter does not include a clumping additiveother than sodium bentonite.
 19. The lightweight clumping cat litter ofclaim 12, wherein the total particle count of the sodium bentonite isbetween 43-84% of the total particle count of the litter.
 20. Thelightweight clumping cat litter of claim 12, wherein the particle sizerange of the non-swelling sorbent material is 5-50 Mesh.
 21. Thelightweight clumping cat litter of claim 12, wherein the particle sizerange of the sodium bentonite is 12-60 Mesh.
 22. The lightweightclumping cat litter of claim 12, wherein the non-swelling sorbentmaterial has a bulk density of less than or equal to 46.2 lbs/ft³.
 23. Alightweight clumping cat litter, comprising 45%-70% by weight of sodiumbentonite and 30%-55% by weight of a non-swelling sorbent material,wherein the total particle count of the sodium bentonite is between43-84% of the total particle count of the litter, and wherein one hourafter contact with a sufficient amount of liquid, a readily removable,intact clump remains.
 24. The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim23, wherein the non-swelling sorbent material has a bulk density of lessthan or equal to 46.2 lbs/ft³.
 25. The lightweight clumping cat litterof claim 23, wherein the sorbent material has a bulk density of lessthan or equal to 37.7 lbs/ft³.
 26. A lightweight clumping cat litter,comprising 45%-70% by weight of sodium bentonite, and also comprising anon-swelling sorbent material, wherein the sodium bentonite comprises47% or more of the external surface area of the litter, and wherein uponcontact with a sufficient amount of liquid, a portion of the litterso-contacted forms an intact, removable clump.
 27. The lightweightclumping cat litter of claim 26, wherein the non-swelling sorbentmaterial comprises 30%-55% by weight of the litter.
 28. The lightweightclumping cat litter of claim 26, wherein the non-swelling sorbentmaterial has a bulk density of less than or equal to 46.2 lbs/ft³. 29.The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim 26, wherein upon contactwith a sufficient amount of the liquid, a portion of the litterso-contacted forms an intact, removable clump within thirty seconds ofthe contact, which clump remains intact for at least one hour after thecontact.
 30. The lightweight clumping cat litter of claim 26, whereinthe total particle count of the sodium bentonite is between 43-84% ofthe total particle count of the litter.
 31. The lightweight clumping catlitter of claim 26, wherein the particle size range of the non-swellingsorbent material is 5-50 Mesh.
 32. The lightweight clumping cat litterof claim 26, wherein the particle size range of the sodium bentonite is12-60 Mesh.